This evening, walking along the long field My eye was drawn to a living shimmer in the sky: Three aspens alone alive in a world of almost motionless Cottonwood and willow and Chinese elm trees. The breeze that barely stirred the others Sprang it free, spangling leaves like light on water, An electric flutter, the secret energy In the heart of the world revealed. So free. An aspen leaf might believe itself inordinately busy (especially comparatively) and certain therefore It will expire prematurely, useless, stupid, failed. From where I stood, it was the most beautiful thing to see. My life could be similarly pleasing to God. I guess this could be service enough for me.
Copyright © 2009 by Liz Waldner. Used by permission of the author. All rights reserved.